Using Synergy to Leverage Strengths of Linux and Windows

by Dan DeRoeck on September 9, 2012

Using Linux for its strengths – stability and efficiency – can cost you in productivity switching between systems to get your work done. Until now. I recently ran across a neat piece of open source software that allows you to experience the best of both worlds right at your fingertips – it’s called Synergy. This dynamite little application allows you to access both Linux and Windows using one keyboard and mouse and dedicated monitor for each. To me, this is as good or even better, than using virtual machine, such as VM VirtualBox because it allows you to be in dedicated mode for both.

When I stumbled upon this application, I thought I was in seventh heaven. The concept was brilliant. But with the accolades, came some trial and error trying to get it working properly. So I made this quick tutorial in hopes of helping others trying to get this same configuration to work [Linux Ubuntu 10.10 Maverick and Windows 7]. This tutorial also assumes the configuration of Synergy with Linux acting as the server and Windows the client.

Step 1. Download and install the most recent version of Synergy for Linux.

Note: you will need to find out which version of the operating system you are running 32 bit or 64 bit – here’s how you determine which version you need for Linux.

Step 2. Now, we need to gather some information for use in step #6. Get the host name for Linux – simply type in the command hostname in the Terminal window as illustrated below [click image to enlarge].

Step 3. Get the IP address of the Linux machine by typing the command ifconfig as illustrated below [click image to enlarge].

Step 4. Get the host name for Windows – Start>Computer>System Properties as illustrated below [click image to enlarge].

For one reason or another, you may experience the application no longer works. All you need to do is kill Synergy killall synergys and then start an instance using synergys.

You should now be able to connect Linux and be well on your way of enjoying the ability to seamlessly navigate Linux and Windows through Synergy. The end result is an increased level of productivity, accessing Windows only when you need:), and subsequently enjoying your Linux environment even more!

I hope this post helps you if you are struggling getting this wonderful app to work with your Linux and Windows environment. As you can see from my desk to the left [click image to enlarge], using Synergy promotes an uncluttered, streamlined look and feel – my Linux machine is on the left, and the Windows on the right. I can move from Linux to Windows and back again, with a flick of the mouse — very cool application, give it a try. Please leave comments if you have anything to share about this application.

Now this is what I call innovation. In this case, the old saying that necessity is the mother of invention’ could not be more applicable. I have been wanting to use Linux along with Windows XP, but I have stayed away from it because of the complications it can cause to your OS, especially when you need to reformat your system. Having to restore 2 OS is a nightmare.

I am sure there are plenty of advantages to being able to run Linux on a Windows PC, but I only know Linux to be a good web hosting platform – or is that Unix? Thank goodness I have a good web hosting company to handle that the hosting of my websites, otherwise, I’d be lost. I’d rather focus on the creative side of design and development.

Synergy is an appropriate name if ever there was one for a software that bridged two different platforms with one another. That is precisely what the cyber world needs more of: compatibility. I say this because there are so many different types of languages each competing against one another, trying to make the other obsolete. You have i-pads vs. tablets; i-phone vs. Android ; and of course, Oracle vs. Red Hat on the VM platform. It just makes it harder for the consumer.

I have been hearing for years about the virtues of Linux and I don’t doubt that it has its strengths and benefits. But the problem has been that not everyone has the money to own a dedicated Linux computer. So while this provides a solution to bridge and use two operating systems, I have my doubts about running 2 OS on 1 computer – if for no other reason that it makes it harder to reformat the system.

I run Linux Ubuntu on a Lenovo laptop. I see what you mean about funding multiple computers, but having a spare computer lying around has almost become the norm these days. Because Linux demands much less CPU than Windows, you can probably get by with less horsepower than a Windows.